JP7150627B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device including a display device.

In recent years, electronic devices such as smartphones having a display unit and a camera on the same side have been widely put into practical use. In such an electronic device, the camera is provided outside the display section, and there is an increasing demand for enlarging the display section while securing a space for installing the camera and the like.
On the other hand, a technology using a liquid crystal lens has been proposed as a light refracting unit of a three-dimensional image display device.

JP 2017-40908 A JP 2014-197203 A JP 2013-45087 A

An object of the present embodiment is to provide an electronic device capable of enlarging a display section.

According to this embodiment,
a first liquid crystal panel, a second liquid crystal panel superimposed on the first liquid crystal panel, superimposed on the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel, and receiving light through the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel a camera, wherein the first liquid crystal panel includes a first liquid crystal layer, first pixel electrodes not overlapping with the camera, second pixel electrodes overlapping with the camera, and overlapping with the first pixel electrodes. and a color filter layer that does not overlap the second pixel electrodes, the second liquid crystal panel includes: a plurality of first transparent electrodes overlapping the camera; and a second transparent electrode overlapping the plurality of first transparent electrodes. An electronic device is provided comprising an electrode and a second liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of an electronic device 100 including a display device DSP of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of electronic device 100 including camera 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing one configuration example of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element LCD including the first pixel PX1 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element LCD including the second pixel PX2 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a shape example of the first transparent electrode TE1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another shape example of the first transparent electrode TE1. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a first control example for forming the lens LL1 in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of the lens portion LP. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second control example for forming the lens LL2 in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of the lens portion LP. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a third control example for forming the lens LL3 in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of the lens portion LP. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the first operation example. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the second operation example. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the third operation example. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the fourth operation example. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the fifth operation example. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the disclosure is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will naturally include within the scope of the present invention any suitable modifications that can be easily conceived while maintaining the gist of the invention. In addition, in order to make the description clearer, the drawings may schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but this is only an example and does not apply to the present invention. It does not limit interpretation. In addition, in this specification and each figure, the same reference numerals are given to components that exhibit the same or similar functions as those described above with respect to the previous figures, and redundant detailed description may be omitted as appropriate. .

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of an electronic device 100 including a display device DSP of this embodiment. In one example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are orthogonal to each other, but may intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees. The first direction X and the second direction Y correspond to directions parallel to the main surface of the substrate constituting the display device DSP, and the third direction Z corresponds to the thickness direction of the display device DSP.

The display device DSP includes a first polarizer PL1 and a second polarizer PL2, a first liquid crystal panel PNL1, an optical sheet OS, a light guide plate LG, a light source EM, and a reflective sheet RS. The reflective sheet RS, the light guide plate LG, the optical sheet OS, the first polarizing plate PL1, the first liquid crystal panel PNL1, and the second polarizing plate PL2 are arranged along the third direction Z in this order. The plurality of light sources EM are arranged along the first direction X at intervals. The first polarizing plate PL1, the second polarizing plate PL2, and the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 constitute a liquid crystal element LCD having an optical switching function with respect to light traveling along the third direction Z. there is Such a liquid crystal element LCD exhibits a function of transmitting light or blocking light for each region in the XY plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y. FIG.

The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 is formed in a flat plate shape parallel to the XY plane, for example. The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 is provided between the first polarizing plate PL1 and the second polarizing plate PL2. The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 includes a display portion DA for displaying an image, and a frame-shaped non-display portion NDA surrounding the display portion DA. The display area DA is a substantially rectangular area that does not include a notch, but may have four rounded corners. Although the detailed configuration of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 is omitted here, the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 has a display mode that utilizes a horizontal electric field along the main surface of the substrate and a vertical electric field along the normal to the main surface of the substrate. A display mode using an electric field, a display mode using a gradient electric field oblique to the main surface of the substrate, and a display mode utilizing an appropriate combination of the horizontal electric field, the vertical electric field, and the gradient electric field. Any corresponding configuration may be provided. The main surface of the substrate here is a surface parallel to the XY plane.
The first polarizing plate PL1 and the second polarizing plate PL2 overlap at least the display area DA with respect to the first liquid crystal panel PNL1. In one example, the transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer PL1 is parallel to the first direction X, and the transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer PL2 is parallel to the second direction Y. That is, the transmission axes T1 and T2 are orthogonal to each other in the XY plane.

The illumination device IL illuminates the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 from the rear side. The illumination device IL is composed of, for example, a light source EM, a light guide plate LG, an optical sheet OS, and a reflection sheet RS.

The light guide plate LG includes a side surface Sa facing the light source EM, a side surface Sb opposite to the side surface Sa, a main surface Sc facing the first liquid crystal panel PNL1, a main surface Sd opposite to the main surface Sc, and a second surface Sd. 1 opening OP1. The first opening OP1 is provided on the opposite side of the side surface Sa, but is not particularly limited and may be provided on a side surface perpendicular to the side surface Sa. In the illustrated example, the first opening OP1 is a through hole penetrating the light guide plate LG in the third direction Z. As shown in FIG. Note that the first opening OP1 may be a recess or a notch recessed from the side surface Sb toward the side surface Sa.

A plurality of optical sheets OS are provided between the light guide plate LG and the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 and face the main surface Sc. Each of the optical sheets OS has a second opening OP2 overlapping the first opening OP1. The optical sheet OS is, for example, a prism sheet or a diffusion sheet.

The reflective sheet RS faces the main surface Sd. That is, the light guide plate LG is provided between the reflection sheet RS and the optical sheet OS. The reflection sheet RS has a third opening OP3 overlapping the first opening OP1. The third opening OP3, the first opening OP1, and the second opening OP2 are arranged in this order along the third direction Z and provided on the same straight line. The reflective sheet RS may be fixed to the frame, for example. In that case, the frame may also be provided with an opening that overlaps with the first opening OP1.

The light source EM is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) and emits white illumination light. Illumination light emitted from the light source EM enters from the side surface Sa and travels inside the light guide plate LG. Then, the illumination light guided by the light guide plate LG is emitted from the main surface Sc toward the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 to illuminate the first liquid crystal panel PNL1. The first liquid crystal panel PNL1, the first polarizer PL1, and the second polarizer PL2 selectively transmit illumination light in the display section DA to display an image.

An electronic device 100 incorporating such a display device DSP includes a camera 1, a second liquid crystal panel PNL2, and a third polarizing plate PL3.

The second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is formed in a flat plate shape parallel to the XY plane, for example. Although the detailed configuration of the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is omitted here, the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 includes a lens portion LP. The lens part LP is provided so as to overlap the first to third openings OP1 to OP3 in the third direction Z. As shown in FIG. The third polarizing plate PL3 overlaps at least the lens portion LP with respect to the second liquid crystal panel PNL2. In one example, the transmission axis T3 of the third polarizer PL3 is parallel to the second direction Y. That is, the transmission axes T2 and T3 are parallel in the XY plane. Note that the third polarizing plate PL3 may be omitted.

The camera 1 is provided so as to overlap the first to third openings OP1 to OP3 in the third direction Z. As shown in FIG. In addition, the camera 1 overlaps, in the third direction Z, the display portion DA of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 and the lens portion LP of the second liquid crystal panel PNL2.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of electronic device 100 including camera 1 shown in FIG. The illuminator IL has an opening OPA. The first to third openings OP1 to OP3 shown in FIG. 1 are formed corresponding to the opening OPA. A camera 1 is provided in the opening OPA. Camera 1 is electrically connected to wiring board 2 . The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 overlaps the illumination device IL. The second liquid crystal panel PNL2 overlaps the first liquid crystal panel PNL1. Also, the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 and the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 are superimposed on the camera 1 .

The first polarizing plate PL1 is provided between the illumination device IL and the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 and between the camera 1 and the first liquid crystal panel PNL1. The second polarizing plate PL2 is provided between the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 and the second liquid crystal panel PNL2. The second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is provided between the second polarizing plate PL2 and the third polarizing plate PL3. As described above, the transmission axis T1 of the first polarizer PL1 and the transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer PL2 are orthogonal to each other. Also, the transmission axis T2 of the second polarizing plate PL2 and the transmission axis T3 of the third polarizing plate PL3 are parallel to each other.

The camera 1 uses the third polarizer PL3, the second liquid crystal panel PNL2, the second polarizer PL2, the first liquid crystal panel PNL1, and the visible light transmitted through the first polarizer PL1 (for example, the light).

The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 includes a first substrate SUB1, a second substrate SUB2, and a first liquid crystal layer LC1. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is provided between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. Principal parts of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 will be described below. The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 described here is configured to correspond to a display mode using a lateral electric field. In the following description, the direction from the first substrate SUB1 to the second substrate SUB2 is defined as up, and the direction from the second substrate SUB2 to the first substrate SUB1 is defined as down.

The first substrate SUB1 includes a first insulating substrate 10, insulating films 11 and 12, a common electrode CE, a first pixel electrode PE1, a second pixel electrode PE2, and an alignment film AL1. The first insulating substrate 10 is a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a flexible resin substrate. The insulating film 11 is provided on the first insulating substrate 10 . The common electrode CE is provided on the insulating film 11 and covered with the insulating film 12 . The first pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 are provided on the insulating film 12 and covered with the alignment film AL1. The first pixel electrode PE<b>1 and the second pixel electrode PE<b>2 overlap the common electrode CE with the insulating film 12 interposed therebetween. The common electrode CE, the first pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 are made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). Each of the first pixel electrode PE1 and the second pixel electrode PE2 has a band electrode. The common electrode CE is a plate-shaped electrode provided in common over the plurality of pixels PX. The first pixel electrode PE1 is provided in the first pixel PX1 that does not overlap the camera 1 in the display area DA. The second pixel electrode PE2 is provided in the second pixel PX2 overlapping the camera 1 in the display area DA.

The second substrate SUB2 includes a second insulating substrate 20, a color filter layer CF, a light blocking layer BM, a transparent layer OC, and an alignment film AL2. The second insulating substrate 20 is a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate or a flexible resin substrate. The color filter layer CF is provided in a region that does not overlap the camera 1 and is not provided in a region that overlaps the camera 1 . That is, the color filter layer CF is provided so as to overlap the first pixel electrode PE1, but does not overlap the second pixel electrode PE2. The color filter layer CF is arranged, for example, in the red color filter CFR arranged in the red first pixel PX1, the green color filter CFG arranged in the green first pixel PX1, and the blue first pixel PX1. It has a blue color filter CFB. Each of the color filters CFR, CFG, and CFB overlaps the first pixel electrode PE1. The light shielding layer BM is provided in a region that does not overlap the camera 1 . That is, the light shielding layer BM is provided between adjacent first pixel electrodes PE1, between adjacent first pixels PX1, or between adjacent color filters. In addition, it is desirable that the light shielding layer BM is not provided in the area overlapping the camera 1 . The transparent layer OC is, for example, an organic insulating film. The transparent layer OC covers the color filter layer CF in the first pixel PX1 and is in contact with the second insulating substrate 20 in the second pixel PX2. The transparent layer OC is covered with an alignment film AL2.

When the transmission axis T1 of the first polarizing plate PL1 and the transmission axis T2 of the second polarizing plate PL2 are orthogonal to each other, and the wavelength of light transmitted through the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is λ, When the retardation is approximately zero or corresponds to λ, the transmittance of the liquid crystal element LCD is minimized. Therefore, when photographing with the camera 1, the retardation of the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is set to be larger than zero and smaller than λ in the second pixel PX2. When the retardation is approximately λ/2, the transmittance of the liquid crystal element LCD is maximized.

The second liquid crystal panel PNL2 includes a third substrate SUB3, a fourth substrate SUB4, and a second liquid crystal layer LC2. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 is provided between the third substrate SUB3 and the fourth substrate SUB4. Principal parts of the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 will be described below.

The third substrate SUB3 includes a third insulating substrate 30, a plurality of first transparent electrodes TE1, and an alignment film AL3. A plurality of first transparent electrodes TE1 overlap the camera 1 . The first transparent electrode TE1 is provided on the third insulating substrate 30 and covered with the alignment film AL3 in the lens part LP. The fourth substrate SUB4 includes a fourth insulating substrate 40, a second transparent electrode TE2, and an alignment film AL4. The second transparent electrode TE2 overlaps the multiple first transparent electrodes TE1 right above the camera 1 . The second transparent electrode TE2 is provided under the fourth insulating substrate 40 in the lens part LP and covered with the alignment film AL4. The third insulating substrate 30 and the fourth insulating substrate 40 are transparent substrates such as glass substrates and flexible resin substrates. The first transparent electrode TE1 and the second transparent electrode TE2 are made of a transparent conductive material. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 is provided between the first transparent electrode TE1 and the second transparent electrode TE2.

Immediately above the camera 1, the first liquid crystal layer LC1 has a thickness T11 and the second liquid crystal layer LC2 has a thickness T12. The thicknesses T11 and T12 correspond to lengths along the third direction Z. The thickness T12 is thicker than the thickness T11, and corresponds to approximately 10 times or more and 50 times or less the thickness T11, for example. In one example, the thickness T12 is 30 μm or more and 150 μm or less, and further 50 μm to 100 μm.

The first polarizing plate PL1 is adhered to the first insulating substrate 10, the second polarizing plate PL2 is adhered to the second insulating substrate 20, and the third polarizing plate PL3 is adhered to the fourth insulating substrate . The third insulating substrate 30 is adhered to the second polarizing plate PL2 with a transparent adhesive resin AD. The first polarizing plate PL1, the second polarizing plate PL2, and the third polarizing plate PL3 may be provided with a retardation plate, a scattering layer, an antireflection layer, and the like, if necessary.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing one configuration example of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the first liquid crystal layer LC1 and the seal SE1 are indicated by different oblique lines. The display portion DA is a substantially rectangular area that does not include the notch portion, and is located inside surrounded by the seal SE1. The seal SE1 is located in the non-display area NDA, bonds the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 together, and seals the first liquid crystal layer LC1.
The first liquid crystal panel PNL1 includes pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the first direction X and the second direction Y in the display area DA. Each pixel PX in the display area DA has the same circuit. The display unit DA includes, as the pixels PX, first pixels PX1 not superimposed on the camera 1 and second pixels PX2 superimposed on the camera 1 .
As shown enlarged in FIG. 3, each pixel PX includes a switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE (first pixel electrode PE1 or second pixel electrode PE2), a common electrode CE, a first liquid crystal layer LC1, and the like. . The switching element SW is composed of, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT), and is electrically connected to the scanning line G and the signal line S. The pixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW. Each of the pixel electrodes PE faces the common electrode CE. The first liquid crystal layer LC1 is driven by an electric field generated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. The capacitor CS is formed, for example, between an electrode having the same potential as the common electrode CE and an electrode having the same potential as the pixel electrode PE.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element LCD including the first pixel PX1 shown in FIG. The drive unit DR for driving the liquid crystal element LCD includes, for example, a scanning line driving circuit electrically connected to the scanning line G and a signal line driving circuit electrically connected to the signal line S shown in FIG. contains. The driving section DR outputs a signal necessary for image display to the first pixel PX1, and controls the transmittance of the liquid crystal element LCD. The transmittance of the first pixel PX1 of the liquid crystal element LCD is controlled according to the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1.

In the first pixel PX1 in the OFF state where no voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1, liquid crystal molecules LM1 included in the first liquid crystal layer LC1 are initially aligned in a predetermined direction between the alignment films AL1 and AL2. there is In such an off state, light guided from the light source EM shown in FIG. 1 to the first pixel PX1 is absorbed by the first polarizing plate PL1 and the second polarizing plate PL2. Therefore, the liquid crystal element LCD displays black in the first pixel PX1 in the OFF state.
In the ON-state first pixel PX in which a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the liquid crystal molecules LM1 are oriented in a direction different from the initial alignment direction due to the electric field formed between the first pixel electrode PE1 and the common electrode CE. , and the orientation direction is controlled by the electric field. In such an ON state, part of the light guided from the light source EM to the first pixel PX1 is transmitted through the first polarizing plate PL1 and the second polarizing plate PL2. Therefore, the liquid crystal element LCD displays a color corresponding to the color filter layer CF in the first pixel PX1 in the ON state.
The above example corresponds to a so-called normally black mode that displays black in the off state, but a normally white mode that displays black in the on state (displays white in the off state) may be applied.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal element LCD including the second pixel PX2 shown in FIG. The second pixel PX2 differs from the first pixel PX1 shown in FIG. 4 in that the second substrate SUB2 does not include the color filter layer CF and the light shielding layer BM. That is, the transparent layer OC is in contact with the second insulating substrate 20 directly above the second pixel electrode PE2.

Similarly to the first pixel PX1, the transmittance of the second pixel PX2 of the liquid crystal element LCD is controlled by the driver DR. That is, in the second pixel PX2 in the OFF state where no voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1, the liquid crystal element LCD has the minimum transmittance and displays black, similarly to the first pixel PX1 in the OFF state. That is, the liquid crystal element LCD exhibits a light shielding function in the second pixel PX2.
In the liquid crystal element LCD, part of the light guided to the second pixel PX2 from the light source EM in the second pixel PX2 in the ON state where the voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal layer LC1 is reflected by the first polarizing plate PL1 and the second pixel PX2. 2 It passes through the polarizing plate PL2. In addition, the liquid crystal element LCD forms a light-transmitting state in which light directed toward the camera 1 through the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is transmitted in the second pixel PX in the ON state. The liquid crystal element LCD displays white or becomes transparent when controlled to have the maximum transmittance in the second pixel PX2 in the ON state. The liquid crystal element LCD can also display gray when the second pixel PX is controlled to have an intermediate transmittance between the minimum transmittance and the maximum transmittance. That is, the liquid crystal element LCD exhibits a light transmitting function in the second pixel PX2.

According to this embodiment, the camera 1 is superimposed on the display section DA of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a space for installing the camera 1 in the non-display area NDA. Therefore, the display area DA can be enlarged.
Moreover, it is not necessary to provide a space for installing the camera 1 in the non-display portion NDA. Therefore, compared to the case where the camera 1 overlaps the non-display area NDA, the frame width of the non-display area NDA can be reduced.
In addition, since the camera 1 does not overlap the color filter layer CF, the light incident on the camera 1 through the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 is hardly affected by the color filter layer CF. Therefore, unwanted absorption and coloring by the color filter layer CF can be suppressed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a shape example of the first transparent electrode TE1. In the illustrated example, eight first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 are provided in the lens portion LP. Each of the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 is formed in a strip shape. The first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 extend in the first direction X and are arranged in the second direction Y at intervals in the illustrated example. The second transparent electrode TE2 overlaps the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 in plan view. The second transparent electrode TE2 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, but the shape is not limited to the illustrated example. The number of first transparent electrodes is not limited to eight in the illustrated example. The first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 may extend in the second direction Y and be arranged in the first direction X at intervals. The camera 1 overlaps the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 as indicated by dotted lines in the drawing.
The first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 are electrically connected to the driver DR via wirings W11 to W18 and switching elements SW11 to SW18, respectively. The second transparent electrode TE2 is electrically connected to the driving section DR via the switching element SW2. The driving unit DR can apply a predetermined voltage to each of the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the second transparent electrode TE2.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another shape example of the first transparent electrode TE1. In the illustrated example, five first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE15 are provided in the lens portion LP. Each of the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE14 is formed in an annular shape. The first transparent electrode TE15 is formed in a polygonal shape. Note that the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE15 may be formed in an annular shape or a circular shape. Also, the number of the plurality of first transparent electrodes is not limited to five in the illustrated example. The camera 1 overlaps the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE15 as indicated by dotted lines in the drawing.
The driver DR can apply a predetermined voltage to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE15 through the switching elements SW11 to SW15. Further, the driving section DR can apply a predetermined voltage to the second transparent electrode TE2 via the switching element SW2.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 shown in FIG. The seal SE2 bonds the third substrate SUB3 and the fourth substrate SUB4 together and seals the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The lens part LP overlaps the second liquid crystal layer LC2. As described above, the lens part LP overlaps the camera 1 and the display part DA of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1. Here, the lens portion LP is shown in a simplified manner. Like the TE18, it is provided on the third substrate SUB3. As in the illustrated example, the portions of the wirings W11 to W18 overlapping the display area DA are preferably made of a transparent conductive material from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in transmittance in the display area DA. In addition, the portions of the wirings W11 to W18 that overlap the non-display portion NDA may be formed of a transparent conductive material, or may be formed of a metal material from the viewpoint of low resistance. In the illustrated example, odd-numbered wirings W11, W13, W15, and W17 are provided on the left side of the display section DA, and even-numbered wirings W12, W14, W16, and W18 are provided on the right side of the display section DA. ing. Note that the layout of the wirings W11 to W18 is not limited to the illustrated example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a first control example for forming the lens LL1 in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of the lens portion LP.
(A) of FIG. 9 shows the lens portion LP in the OFF state. In the off state, no voltage is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the second transparent electrode TE2. Therefore, no voltage is applied to the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 includes liquid crystal molecules LM2. For example, it is assumed that the second liquid crystal layer LC2 has a positive dielectric anisotropy, and the liquid crystal molecules LM2 are initially aligned horizontally along the main surface of the substrate in the OFF state. The transmission axis T2 of the second polarizer PL2 and the transmission axis T3 of the third polarizer PL3 are parallel to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM2. A lens is not formed in the lens portion LP in such an off state.

(B) of FIG. 9 shows the lens portion LP in the ON state. In the ON state, the driver DR applies voltages to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the second transparent electrode TE2 to form the lens LL1 in the second liquid crystal layer LC2. In the ON state, the liquid crystal molecules LM2 are aligned such that their long axes are aligned with the electric field between the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the second transparent electrode TE2.

An example of the case where the lens LL1 functions as a convex lens as shown will be described below. A higher voltage is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 as the distance from the optical axis OX of the camera 1 increases. That is, the voltage applied to the first transparent electrode TE11 is higher than the voltage applied to the first transparent electrode TE14. In one example, a voltage of 4 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 and TE18, a voltage of 3 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE12 and TE17, a voltage of 2 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE13 and TE16, and a voltage of 2 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 and TE18. A voltage of 1V is applied to the transparent electrodes TE14 and TE15. On the other hand, a voltage of 0 V, for example, is applied to the second transparent electrode TE2. A vertical electric field along the third direction Z or a horizontal electric field along the main surface of the substrate is formed in the region where each of the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the second transparent electrode TE2 face each other. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules LM2 is controlled by the interaction of these electric fields. The liquid crystal molecules LM2 have refractive index anisotropy Δn. Therefore, the second liquid crystal layer LC2 has a refractive index distribution corresponding to the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules LM2. Alternatively, the second liquid crystal layer LC2 has a retardation distribution or a phase distribution represented by Δn·d, where d is the thickness along the third direction Z of the second liquid crystal layer LC2. The lens LL1 shown in the drawing is formed by such a refractive index distribution, retardation distribution, or phase distribution. The lens LL1 is isotropically formed with respect to the optical axis OX.

When the lens part LP includes the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 having the shape shown in FIG. 6, the lens LL1 can form a cylindrical lens extending in the first direction X. As shown in FIG. When the lens part LP includes the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE15 having the shape shown in FIG. 7, the lens part LL1 can form a convex lens centered on the optical axis OX.

Of the light L10 traveling toward the camera 1, the linearly polarized light that has passed through the third polarizing plate PL3 is refracted by the lens LL1 and enters the camera 1. That is, the lens LL1 mainly exerts a focusing effect on the light L10. By controlling the voltages applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE15 and the second transparent electrode TE2 by the driver DR, it is also possible to form a lens that diverges the light L10. .

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second control example for forming the lens LL2 in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of the lens portion LP. In the second control example, the driving unit DR controls the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18, A voltage is applied to each of the second transparent electrodes TE2. Alternatively, the driving unit DR may be configured such that the lens LL2 formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 functions as a concave lens (indicated by a dashed line in the figure), the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the second transparent electrode TE2. , respectively.

In the second control example, a lower voltage is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 as the distance from the optical axis OX of the camera 1 increases. That is, the voltage applied to the first transparent electrode TE11 is lower than the voltage applied to the first transparent electrode TE14. In one example, a voltage of 1 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 and TE18, a voltage of 2 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE12 and TE17, a voltage of 3 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE13 and TE16, and a voltage of 3 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE13 and TE16. A voltage of 4V is applied to the transparent electrodes TE14 and TE15. On the other hand, a voltage of 0 V, for example, is applied to the second transparent electrode TE2. The lens LL2 shown in the drawing is formed by the refractive index distribution, retardation distribution, or phase distribution of the second liquid crystal layer LC2. In the illustrated example, the lens LL2 is isotropically formed with respect to the optical axis OX, but may be formed asymmetrically with respect to the optical axis OX.

The illustrated lens LL2 has the effect of refracting the display light L20 guided to the periphery of the camera 1 directly above the camera 1 . Since the transmission axis T2 of the second polarizing plate PL2 is parallel to the transmission axis T3 of the third polarizing plate PL3, the display light L20 refracted by the lens part LP is emitted from the area overlapping the camera 1. That is, the display light L20 is observed at the front of the camera 1 (on the observer's side). Thereby, the visibility of the camera 1 can be reduced when the electronic device 100 is observed from the third polarizing plate PL3 side.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a third control example for forming the lens LL3 in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 of the lens portion LP. In the third control example, the driving unit DR causes the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the second transparent electrode TE2 to form a lens LL3 asymmetric with respect to the optical axis OX of the camera 1 in the second liquid crystal layer LC2. A voltage is applied to each.

In the third control example, a higher voltage is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 as the distance from the light source EM increases. That is, the voltage applied to the first transparent electrode TE11 is lower than the voltage applied to the first transparent electrode TE18. In one example, a voltage of 1 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 and TE12, a voltage of 2 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE13 and TE14, a voltage of 3 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE15 and TE16, and a voltage of 3 V is applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 and TE12. A voltage of 4V is applied to the transparent electrodes TE17 and TE18. On the other hand, a voltage of 0 V, for example, is applied to the second transparent electrode TE2. The lens LL3 shown in the figure is formed by the refractive index distribution, retardation distribution, or phase distribution of the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

The illustrated lens LL3 has the effect of refracting the display light L20 guided to the periphery of the camera 1 directly above the camera 1, similarly to the lens LL2. Thereby, the visibility of the camera 1 can be reduced when the electronic device 100 is observed from the third polarizing plate PL3 side.

When the plurality of light sources EM shown in FIG. 1 are arranged in the first direction X and emit illumination light along the second direction Y, the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 described with reference to FIG. A configuration in which they are formed in a band shape along X and arranged in the second direction Y is preferable. Thereby, a lens LL3 suitable for emitting illumination light directly above the camera 1 can be formed.

In this way, various lenses LL can be formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 by controlling the voltages applied to the first transparent electrodes TE11 to TE18 and the second transparent electrode TE2 by the driver DR. Also, the focus of the lens LL can be controlled by the voltage control by the drive unit DR.

《Camera on》
First to third operation examples in the camera-on state for photographing with the camera 1 will be described below. Note that in the camera ON state, the first pixel PX1 may be in the ON state or may be in the OFF state.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the first operation example. The second pixel PX2 in the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 is in the ON state. The liquid crystal element LCD composed of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1, the first polarizer PL1 and the second polarizer PL2 faces the camera 1 at the second pixel PX2 in the ON state, as described with reference to FIG. It forms a translucent state that transmits light. The lens portion LP in the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is in the OFF state, and no lens is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 as described with reference to FIG. 9A.
Of the light L30 directed toward the camera 1, the first linearly polarized light POL1 having a plane of vibration in the second direction Y is transmitted through the third polarizing plate PL3. The first linearly polarized light POL1 is transmitted through the second polarizing plate PL2 with little lens action in the lens portion LP. The first linearly polarized light POL1 is modulated into a second linearly polarized light POL2 having a plane of vibration in the first direction X in the second pixels PX2 in the ON state. The second linearly polarized light POL2 passes through the first polarizing plate PL1 and enters the camera 1 . As a result, photographing by the camera 1 becomes possible.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the second operation example. The lens part LP is in an ON state, and a lens LL functioning as a convex lens is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2.
Of the light L30 directed toward the camera 1, the first linearly polarized light POL1 is transmitted through the third polarizing plate PL3 and receives the focusing action of the lens LL in the lens portion LP. The focused first linearly polarized light POL1 is transmitted through the second polarizing plate PL2 and modulated into the second linearly polarized light POL2 at the second pixels PX2 in the ON state. The second linearly polarized light POL2 passes through the first polarizing plate PL1 and enters the camera 1 . As a result, photographing by the camera 1 becomes possible.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the third operation example. The lens part LP is in an ON state, and a lens LL functioning as a concave lens is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2.
Of the light L30 directed toward the camera 1, the first linearly polarized light POL1 passes through the third polarizing plate PL3 and receives the divergence action of the lens LL in the lens portion LP. The first linearly polarized light POL1 that has diverged passes through the second polarizing plate PL2 and is modulated into the second linearly polarized light POL2 in the second pixels PX2 in the ON state. The second linearly polarized light POL2 passes through the first polarizing plate PL1 and enters the camera 1 . As a result, photographing by the camera 1 becomes possible.

《Camera off》
Fourth and fifth operation examples in the camera-off state in which the camera 1 is not operating will be described below.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the fourth operation example. Both the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 in the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 are in the ON state. The lens part LP in the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is in the ON state, and the lens LL2 is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2 as described with reference to FIG.
The liquid crystal element LCD forms a translucent state in which the illumination light from the illumination device IL is transmitted in the first pixel PX1 in the ON state. That is, the red light LR1 that has passed through the red color filter CFR, the green light LG1 that has passed through the green color filter CFG, and the blue light LB1 that has passed through the blue color filter CFB are respectively used as the first linearly polarized light POL1 and the second polarizing plate PL2. to form display light. Also, the liquid crystal element LCD forms a light-transmitting state in the second pixel PX2 in the ON state. Therefore, the illumination light guided to the second pixel PX2 passes through the second polarizing plate PL2 as the first linearly polarized light POL1.

The display light (LR1, LG1, LB1) transmitted through the second polarizing plate PL2 is refracted directly above the camera 1 by the lens LL2 in the lens portion LP, and is transmitted through the third polarizing plate PL3. That is, in the area superimposed on the camera 1, the display light (LR1, LG1, LB1) from the first pixels PX1 around the camera 1 is emitted. Thereby, the visibility of the camera 1 in the camera-off state can be reduced. Further, on the display unit DA, an image including an area superimposed on the camera 1 can be displayed, and image loss can be suppressed.

In the first liquid crystal panel PNL1, when both the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 are in the OFF state, that is, when black is displayed on the display section DA, the camera 1 is hardly visible.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the fifth operation example. Both the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 in the first liquid crystal panel PNL1 are in the ON state. The lens part LP in the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 is in the ON state, and as described with reference to FIG. 11, the lens LL3 is formed in the second liquid crystal layer LC2.
In such a fifth operation example, similarly to the fourth operation example, the liquid crystal element LCD emits red light LR1, green light LG1, and blue light LB1 as display light from the first pixels PX1 around the camera 1. is emitted. These display lights (LR1, LG1, LB1) are refracted directly above the camera 1 by the lens LL3 in the lens part LP, and pass through the third polarizing plate PL3. Thereby, the visibility of the camera 1 in the camera-off state can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to suppress image chipping in the display area DA.

《Narrow frame》
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the second liquid crystal panel PNL2 shown in FIG. Here, attention is focused on the cross-sectional structure including the even-numbered wirings W12, W14, W16, and W18. The cross-sectional structure of the odd-numbered wiring is also the same as the illustrated configuration example.

The wirings W12, W14, W16, and W18 are provided so as to overlap the non-display area NDA of the first liquid crystal panel PNL1. At least part of the wires W12, W14, W16, and W18 may overlap the seal SE1. The second transparent electrode TE2 overlaps the wirings W12, W14, W16, and W18. The second liquid crystal layer LC2 is provided between the wirings W12, W14, W16, W18 and the second transparent electrode TE2. In the second liquid crystal panel PNL2, illustration of the alignment film AL3 covering the wirings W12, W14, W16, and W18 and the alignment film AL4 covering the second transparent electrode TE2 is omitted.

A higher voltage is applied to the wires W12, W14, W16, and W18 as they move away from the display section DA (or as they get closer to the seal SE2). That is, the voltage applied to the wiring W12 is lower than the voltage applied to the wiring W18. For example, a voltage of 1 V is applied to the wiring W12, a voltage of 2 V is applied to the wiring W14, a voltage of 3 V is applied to the wiring W16, and a voltage of 4 V is applied to the wiring W18. On the other hand, a voltage of 0 V, for example, is applied to the second transparent electrode TE2. The lens LL4 shown in the drawing is formed by the refractive index distribution, retardation distribution, or phase distribution of the second liquid crystal layer LC2.

The illustrated lens LL4 exerts an effect of refracting the display light (LR2, LG2, LB2) transmitted through the display area DA directly above the non-display area NDA. That is, in the region overlapping the seal SE1, display light (LR2, LG2, LB2) is emitted from the first pixels PX1 adjacent to the seal SE1. As a result, when the electronic device 100 is viewed from the third polarizing plate PL3 side, the frame width of the non-display portion NDA appears to be reduced.

Also, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the wirings W12, W14, W16, W18 are electrically connected to the first transparent electrodes TE12, TE14, TE16, TE18, respectively. Moreover, the voltages applied to the wirings W12, W14, W16, and W18 match the voltages applied to the first transparent electrodes TE12, TE14, TE16, and TE18, respectively. Therefore, while forming the lens LL3 in the lens portion LP, the lens LL4 can be simultaneously formed directly above the wirings W12, W14, W16, and W18.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of enlarging the display section.

It should be noted that although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Electronic device DSP... Display apparatus 1... Camera LCD... Liquid crystal element PNL1... First liquid crystal panel LC1... First liquid crystal layer CF... Color filter layer PE1... First pixel electrode PE2... Second pixel electrode PNL2... Second liquid crystal panel LC2... Second liquid crystal layer TE1... First transparent electrode TE2... Second transparent electrode DR... Driving section PL1... First polarizing plate PL2... Second polarizing plate PL3... Third polarizing plate

Claims (10)

a first liquid crystal panel;
a second liquid crystal panel superimposed on the first liquid crystal panel;
a camera superimposed on the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel and receiving light through the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel;
The first liquid crystal panel is
a first liquid crystal layer;
a first pixel electrode that does not overlap the camera;
a second pixel electrode overlapping the camera;
a color filter layer that overlaps with the first pixel electrode and does not overlap with the second pixel electrode;
The second liquid crystal panel is
a plurality of first transparent electrodes overlapping the camera;
a second transparent electrode overlapping the plurality of first transparent electrodes;
and a second liquid crystal layer provided between the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said second liquid crystal layer is thicker than said first liquid crystal layer and has a thickness of 30 [mu]m or more and 150 [mu]m or less. Furthermore, comprising a lighting device that illuminates the first liquid crystal panel,
The lighting device has an opening,
3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said camera is provided in said opening. a first polarizing plate provided between the lighting device and the first liquid crystal panel and between the camera and the first liquid crystal panel;
a second polarizing plate provided between the first liquid crystal panel and the second liquid crystal panel;
4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the transmission axis of said first polarizing plate and the transmission axis of said second polarizing plate are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, a third polarizing plate is provided,
The second liquid crystal panel is provided between the second polarizing plate and the third polarizing plate,
5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the transmission axis of said second polarizing plate and the transmission axis of said third polarizing plate are parallel to each other. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the transmission axis of the second polarizing plate and the transmission axis of the third polarizing plate are parallel to the initial alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules contained in the second liquid crystal layer. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of first transparent electrodes are formed in strips. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of first transparent electrodes are formed in a ring shape. Furthermore, comprising a plurality of light sources arranged in the first direction,
7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said plurality of first transparent electrodes are formed in strips along said first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting said first direction. machine. Furthermore, it has a drive unit,
wherein the driving unit applies voltages to the plurality of first transparent electrodes and the second transparent electrodes such that a lens end of a lens formed in the second liquid crystal layer overlaps the camera; Item 10. The electronic device according to any one of Items 1 to 9.

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